What happens when an onject designed to fix a family starts to feel like a family member?
Pmela Morrow’s compelling debut novel, “Hello Strange,” offers a thought-provoking science fiction for young adults, that is rich in emotional depth as well as technological speculation. Josie, a highly advanced humanoid robot, is placed in the home of a family fractured by grief. Siblings Hunter, Milly, and Coel are bereft after their mother’s death, and their father, a brilliant but emotionally distant scientist, hopes his invention can mend their broken lives. Designed to learn and adapt, Josie’s programming takes an unexpected turn after an electrical storm, leading her on a poignant journey to understand the messy, illogical, and beautiful landscape of human emotion. Morrow skillfully crafts a narrative that is both a fast-paced thriller and a sensitive exploration of what it truly means to be alive.
The novel explores the complex terrain of family, loss, and identity through the unique lens of an artificial intelligence. While the story is set in a near-future world of incredible technology, its core concerns are deeply human and universally meaningful. The family’s struggle to communicate their sorrow and anger is a powerful narrative thread that will impact any reader who has experienced loss or felt disconnected from loved ones. For students who may feel like outsiders, or who are negotiating their own family dynamics, Josie’s journey to find her place offers a unique and accessible entry point for discussion. The book serves as an excellent mirror for readers curious about the world, allowing them to explore how technology shapes our interactions and what fundamental experiences, like love and grief, connect us all, regardless of our background.
Author Pamela Morrow, who is of Ngāti Pū heritage and has a background as a visual effects artist, brings a credible and authentic voice to this futuristic tale. Her expertise in technology and storytellingis evident, creating a world that feels innovative and grounded. “Hello Strange” is a sci-fi adventure which inquires into empathy, connection, and the essence of being human. This book is a superb addition to any classroom or library, perfect for sparking critical conversations about the ethics of AI, the nature of consciousness, and the enduring power of family. It will encourage young readers to look at their own world with greater curiosity and compassion.
